D2 SLS Airbag replacement completed

[simonl8353]

On the Vic Toolangi aka Angus (thanks) trip in April I had some issues with the SLS.

Today I installed 2 new airbags and a brand new compressor.

Seriously a big fat thanks for all the good instructions and advice I picked up on AULRO on these items :D:D:D:D:arms::burnrubber::banana:

Since the Toolangi trip, I didnt have any more problems other than very slow to pump up the rear. I thought 9yr old airbags, hmmmm, just bite the bullet and replace them, so ordered new ones (from Arnott in USA). Then, after looking at WildOnes (thanks dude, hope the wedding was a blast) compressor inflating his D2 within 20 secs I began to think the 2 mins mine took was obviously pointing at a compressor issue instead. (yeah shoulda got the fault codes checked :()

So now I've ended up replacing the airbags and the compressor. Now normally the compressor is $900 alone and the LR genuine airbags $860 ea :eek: so a bit concerning....

BUT... I bought the Arnott airbags at US$129 ea and also found on ebay a new compressor for US$200 ....add freight, I've replaced both these key pieces of equipment for $640 total. Now I'm really happy. This stuff will now see out the life of the car.

20 seconds to inflate the rear. :D

One very very happy D2 owner.

I hope the attachment here can help others, its really a grab of all the stuff on AULRO plus my actual job experience.

Thanks all. :spudnikparty:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Nice Simon,,,

Would make a good TUTORIAL,,,:angel:
:p


Had a bit of an issue with mine over the weekend,,
running on or very near the bump stops,,

it turns out,, that if you have a compressor problem,,
all you need is a ten mm spanner,, plus a tyre compressor,, you CAN pump up the rear air bags on a D2,---

more later,,,;)

[Caveman]

Nice work Simon....glad to hear you have sorted out all your SLS issues.

I'm very happy with the arnotts air springs as well.....great price, and speedy delivery.
Since I've replaced them both, I've had no troubles yet. I'll be keeping an eye on the compressor though, as like yours it is over 9 years old, and has been compensating for those leaking air springs for a while too.

Cheers
Paul

[simonl8353]

Pedro,
Hope the SLS compressor hangs in there, but good to see the "bush fix" idea of using an alternate compressor.

If you do need a new SLS Compressor, seriously look at the US or UK, with the exchange rates good at the moment its easy to land one into Australia for half the price of a local Oz one.

Thanks also Caveman for the PM's on replacing the airbags.

Still no sign of a leak.

I also believe the ride is smoother, but that may just be my enthusiasm. :D

[Pedro_The_Swift]

its a real chicken and egg thing,,

did the pump die from overuse?

and was it the pump that was leaking?

bags look and test fine, have not lost air in 3 days,,

I would have bet big on the bags leaking which caused the pump to fail,, but it seems not!!
:confused:

[simonl8353]

its a real chicken and egg thing,,

did the pump die from overuse?

and was it the pump that was leaking?

bags look and test fine, have not lost air in 3 days,,

I would have bet big on the bags leaking which caused the pump to fail,, but it seems not!!
:confused:

Had exactly the same confusing set of issues, first a warning light (on the Toolangi trip, and never came on since). Turned ignition off, then on, all ok. Parked car for lunch and the bum dropped all the way on the R/H side. Turned engine on and it pumped straight back up, then slowley leaked on R/H side the rest of the afternoon but so slow almost unnoticeable. Ahah, must be Airbag me thinks.:o

Parked car on driveway overnight, in the morning still all ok and level :huh:, but compressor giving 2 or 3 lound buzzes nearly everytime the engine switched off (I now know this to be the death sound from the compressor) :no2:. Compressor now taking 2 or more minutes to struggle to pump the SLS up on OR mode. However in normal mode, the car still sitting level. :blink:

Cleaned the SLS filter, no improvement, cleaned all electrical connectors, no improvement.

by now the new Airbags had arrived, so figure they'll go on anyway but I was more convinced by now it was the compressor all along.

Fitted the new compressor then tested and all 100% perfecto :D. Put the new airbags on since had em anyway, I'll keep the old ones as emergency back ups, they're old but were not the problem after all that.

phew....Oh the personality from this vehicle.

I'd start thinking about the compressor Peter

Simon

[FenianEel]

Have a similar scenario.

Rear Drivers side was going right down occassionally.
Now it seems to be doing it everytime the engine is turned off.
As soon as the vehicle is on and engine running again, it will rise up straight away with no issues though. :confused:

Is this likely to be just a leak/seal/connection issue somwhere, or something more serious?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

'Tis funny Simon,, mine always went down level--

:confused:

as for you Fen,,,
(YES! its serious.)

save your bikkies;):p

[FenianEel]

'Tis funny Simon,, mine always went down level--

:confused:

as for you Fen,,,
(YES! its serious.)

save your bikkies;):p

In the words of a redheaded redneck "AARggh, %(*^ it! Please explain!?! :)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

get a nice big spray bottle of soapy water,,
crawl under the rear of the car,,
spray soapy water over bags (in extended mode if possible),, then over air lines.

easy to pick the leak on the bags and lines, if there is one,,

or it could be the compressor dying,,,:(
it seems mine has leaked back through the compressor,,,

[simonl8353]

Have a similar scenario.

Rear Drivers side was going right down occassionally.
Now it seems to be doing it everytime the engine is turned off.
As soon as the vehicle is on and engine running again, it will rise up straight away with no issues though. :confused:

Is this likely to be just a leak/seal/connection issue somwhere, or something more serious?

Sound like the bag to me, the problem could get worse as the compressor will be working it nuts off to try and keep it up. The compressor only works when the engine is running which is why it pumps back up when you start the car. The compressor is on the chassis under the car about where the front passenger seat is. To hear it working you need all the doors shut, wind down the drivers window, lean in and press the Off Road button on the dash, then nip round and have a listen, put your hand on the plastic casing, you should also feel it working.

As Pedro said, check for bubbles with thick soapy water at on the bags and connectors with the car in Off Road Mode (I think the term "Extended Mode" according to the book is for when the vehicle detects a grounded chassis then automatically pumps up the rear). It's not that easy even then to spray everywhere but pay attention to the fold in the airbag, these can "self heal" for a while as the fold in the bag sometimes seals the leak.

A Leaking vent valve at the compressor is also a cause, but less common.

All the best.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

funnily enough Simon,, mine often cycled after I'd exited the car:confused:

not sure if it was locked or not though,,,




did a quick search last night on compressors from the UK and USA and came up blank,,,,, :(

[FenianEel]

Just checked it and no visible tear or split, but bubbles galore on one section.

Now to check out Arnotts, Bagman etc..looks like the import path is the cheapest as many have said.

Cheers for the assistance folks. ;)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Its half as much from Arnotts;)

[simonl8353]

funnily enough Simon,, mine often cycled after I'd exited the car:confused:

not sure if it was locked or not though,,,

did a quick search last night on compressors from the UK and USA and came up blank,,,,, :(

Ok how about a seperate forum for Discovery SLS :p

Got some time and 'cos I've done nothin' but look for this stuff for the last 3 weeks here's a few to go on with.

Key is to do a search by part number RQG100041 , believe me they're out there....just waiting for us to find them new homes.. like those happy voices in my head :eek:

As a guide, for compressors allow US$100 or GBP50 for freight and airbags US$40 or GBP25 from respective country

2nd hand one worth considering (US)
eBay Motors: 99-02 Land Rover Discovery SLS suspension compressor (item 200226462470 end time May-30-08 18:39:39 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-02-Land-Rover-Discovery-SLS-suspension-compressor_W0QQitemZ200226462470QQcmdZViewItem?IMS fp=TL080524096a26405)

New from Britcar (UK) GBP270
Britcar (UK) Ltd > RQG100041 COMPRESSOR AIR SUSPENSION DIS11 (G) (http://www.brit-car.co.uk/product.php?xProd=90366&xSec=5497)

New from GCE 4x4 GBP220
RQG100041 DISCOVERY II AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR [RQG100041] - £220.00 : GCE 4x4, Land Rover Accessories and Parts (http://www.gce4x4.com/rqg100041-discovery-ii-air-suspension-compressor-p-28.html)

Used Compressor unit from Roverland Parts (US)
1999-2004 Discovery Air Suspension Compressor (http://www.roverlandparts.com/browseproducts/1999-2004-Discovery-Air-Suspension-Compressor.HTML)

New Compressor from British Atlantic (US)
COMPRESSOR ASSY AIR SUSP DISCO II for Discovery Series II, Steering & Suspension Parts (http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/RQG100041.cfm)

and , wait there'e more......

Arnott Airbags (US)
New Discovery Rear Air Spring Assembly. for 1998-2004 Discovery II Series (http://www.arnottindustries.com/part_LAND_ROVER_Air_Suspension_Parts_yid4_pid48_gi d159.html)

Britpart Airbags (UK)
RKB101200 Rear Air Spring - with self levelling supsension (WEB EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER) (http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/DISCOVERY_2_(1998-2004)/Suspension/Rear_Air_Spring_-_with_self_levelling_supsension_(WEB_EXCLUSIVE_SPE CIAL_OFFER).html)

Should keep you going for a while, but do a search by part number. Even evil bay has them new from time to time.

[FenianEel]

Its half as much from Arnotts;)

That's crazy! I just looked at their site $134 AUD each. Awesome :arms:

[FenianEel]

Oh yeah, go the AUD....96c and counting:D

[Pedro_The_Swift]

is this one of those "Doh!" moments?

Both Fen and Simon had single sided "let downs"
but mine was down on both,,
ASSUMING I dont have two bags leaking it has to be inside the compressor?
so not only is the compressor not working,, its also the cause of the leak?

Double Whammy!

[FenianEel]

Well just tyre slimed the rear RHS and it's staying up and doesn't appear to be leaking. :banana:
Also ordered 2 airbags from Arnotts (Florida). $310 AUD delivered - that's amazing, they are really good to deal with too.

Just a quick thanks in no particular order....to blknight, Pedro, Cal415, simonl8353 and many others.
The information and willingness to help others on this forum is incredible. I've gained so much more technical knowledge and saved literally thousands over the last few years, it's great.
Thanks folks. :twobeers::arms::clap2:

[FenianEel]

Well I fitted the two airbags, but it went down o'night on the RHS. :(
Pretty sure the valve/brass ring thing that's missing is the cause and allowing air out.
Does anyone have a spare?
The one I took off was knackered and the new one cracked, so I fitted the airline with the new thread, but not the little brass valve/ring thingy on the end of the line, that goes into the bag first.
If you have one, can you PM me?;)

[simonl8353]

Yeah, little buggers those brass sleeves arnt they.

I know I broke one, maybe both of the old ones when I took the old airbags off, but I also changed the compressor so might have a look at that tonight, I reckon I can rustle one up. I'll PM later if I have any luck.

In the meantime, any chance Arnott can drop a few (hundred) in a zippy bag for us over this side of the pond? Do you want to email them and ask the question since it would be good to carry a couple of spares. ;)

[FenianEel]

Yeah, little buggers those brass sleeves arnt they.

I know I broke one, maybe both of the old ones when I took the old airbags off, but I also changed the compressor so might have a look at that tonight, I reckon I can rustle one up. I'll PM later if I have any luck.

In the meantime, any chance Arnott can drop a few (hundred) in a zippy bag for us over this side of the pond? Do you want to email them and ask the question since it would be good to carry a couple of spares. ;)

I'm on it.

Cheers ;)

[Piddler]

Sounds like you need a brass olive. When working on pneumatics if you take them of the line you need a new one.

I would try Enzed, Pirtek a ny reputable pneumatics suppler.

Cheers

[simonl8353]

I'm on it.

Cheers ;)
FenianEel,
Any news from Arnotts yet on some spare brass olives for the airbag hoses?
I'm very happy with my SLS airbags, no worries and the new compressor's also behaving.
I bought a new SLS airfilter (goes behind the L/H rear light) from British 4WD in Tassie just to complete the total repalcement of the SLS system.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

captains log stardate 280808

Have disconnected the compressor completely,,
used a small push-on air fitting on EACH rear bag line,,

and after 4 weeks----


NO LOSS OF AIR!!!
:misclock::misclock::misclock:

Could mine have ALREADY been done???


as an aside--

one side needs around 70lbs, the other around 50 to sit level---:eek:,, and about 10cm in height to every 10 lb of air,,(dont you just love the way I mix measurements,,,:p)

Now to a Tech question,,

SHOULD the air lines between wheels be connected?




and lastly,, How'd you go Fen?

[ddavy57]

I have a Series II Discovery which has been sitting at home un-used for the last 12-14 months and the rear suspension will not lift.

I did notice damage to the rear tube that leads to the filter hidden in the rear left light housing.

I haven't done the test on the compressor to see if it is workig (will do this tonight) but thought I would ask the question to see if anyone knows what the problem might be ?

Regads

Dave

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Have read through here,,
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/59179-eas-sls-lifts-mods-emergency-fixes-kits.html

[Disco_ute84]

Pedro,

If you connect the bags it will roll to much on-road, but have heaps of flex off-road. Get yourself a small solenoid valve, then you can have the best of both worlds at the flick of a switch.

Cheers,

Tim

[Rosscoe68]

just took apart a compressor that wasnt working, that i picked up with the mind ti try and fix it for a spare. first thing i found, lost of water inside, and i mean lots, so my guess is the waterproofing wasnt right, second thing i found was a fairly standard looking motor brush that had lost it spring tensioner. not sure which was the cause of the motor to die, but the length of time it has sat with water in it means theres a fair amount of corrosion. but the construction looks really good and in my opinion is a repairable unit. probably even sleeving the piston liner that is alloy would be a fairly straight forward job and make the ring seal a little better than running straight on the alloy liner.

if anyone is interested i can investigate further and look into the possibility of doing a exchange compressor as long as yours hasn't filled with water.

anyone got any old compressors laying around, don't chuck them out, may be able to combine good parts from one with another to make 1 out of 2.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Good thinking Rosscoe,,
My old one leaked water on the garage floor for several days so I suspect water is the main killer,,

wouldnt mind mine rebuilt if possible,,,:angel: